Issues

Dec 14 2020
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MiWay Routes Going to New Kipling Bus Terminal Starting January 4

By Events, Issues, Resources

December 14, 2020

Starting Monday, January 4, 2021, MiWay will begin offering services at the new Kipling Bus Terminal, part of the Kipling Transit Hub. The new Kipling Bus Terminal, located at Dundas Street and Subway Crescent in Toronto, connects MiWay (express and local) to the Toronto Transit Commission (subway and bus) and the Government of Ontario’s GO Transit (train and bus) under one transit hub, creating easy and convenient access for commuters. All MiWay routes that previously ended at Islington Station will end at the new Kipling Bus Terminal, which was constructed by Metrolinx. With this change, 10 MiWay routes will no longer service TTC Islington Station.

“This investment is significant and builds important connections to and from Mississauga, offering additional transit options to commuters and expanding Mississauga’s transit network,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “This project not only responds to growing traffic congestion, it also supports the economic growth and prosperity of Mississauga and the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA). Thank you to the teams at Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation, Metrolinx and the City of Mississauga for working together and seeing this project to completion. This is a big step forward in building, connecting and delivering a world-class transit system to commuters in the GTHA.”

Route 26 Burnhamthorpe will service Islington Station via on-street stops (eastbound and westbound) before ending at the new Kipling Bus Terminal.

“Mississauga’s transit system has been servicing Islington Station for almost 40 years. It has played an important role in connecting commuters to Mississauga and Toronto,” said Geoff Marinoff, Director, Transit. “With strategic investments being made to regional transit networks, and with provincial funding being made available to support the new Kipling Bus Terminal, commuters will more seamlessly be able to travel throughout the GTHA. This integration allows MiWay to connect commuters to multiple transit options while delivering safe, reliable and comfortable service to reach their destinations. It also improves connectivity, accessibility and other services to enhance the commuting experience and reduce wait times between transit connections.”

At the Kipling Transit Hub, the new bus terminal is located on the west side of the TTC Kipling Subway and Bus Station. Some of the terminal features include:

  • An accessible terminal building with washroom facilities and seating areas
  • Real-time departure screens at each of the 10 MiWay bus stop platforms
  • PRESTO payment devices available for card loading
  • Underground pedestrian tunnel that connects the new MiWay bus terminal and the existing TTC station (completion in early 2021)
  • A pedestrian bridge over the train tracks, complete with elevators, to connect the new bus terminal to the GO train platform

Substantial completion of construction is scheduled for January 2021.

For more information about the new Kipling Bus Terminal, service and route changes and transit connections, visit miway.ca/kipling.

 

Dec 14 2020
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CFIB’s Proposed “Small Business First” COVID-19 Retail Policy for Ontario

By Events, Issues

To ensure fairness in the application of critical service rules, CFIB recommends the following additional measures to ensure small retailers can safely serve a limited number of customers. These measures can co-exist with the current rules allowing some critical goods retailers to remain open with 50 per cent capacity.

CFIB recommends that the Government of Ontario:

  • Allow all non-essential small retailers to open to in-store sales, but with very limited capacity for customers and public-facing staff
  • Limit customers to three per store for a fixed time for personalized shopping
  • Limit the store to three public-facing staff to help customers shop as efficiently as possible from a safe distance
  • Encourage pre-booking appointments, to avoid long lines outside the store
  • Require all businesses to sign the POST Promise before opening in-store operations
  • Encourage customers to shop by curbside pickup or delivery as preferred means

Please note that to date, almost 9,000 people from across Ontario have signed their petition here with the above ask.

Dec 14 2020
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COVID-19 Lockdown – Weekend Enforcement Results in Dozens of Tickets for Private Gatherings

By Covid-19, Issues

Mississauga has been in the Grey-Lockdown Level of the Government of Ontario’s Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework since Monday, November 23. Since that time, the City has issued 126 charges and 90 notices of contravention (NOCs).

Specifically, this last weekend saw 37 tickets and seven NOCs. Four tickets were issued to non-essential businesses and the remaining 33 tickets were issued to individuals at private gatherings at four separate locations.

“Now that we are three weeks into the lockdown, businesses and residents should be well aware of the restrictions in place to protect the health and safety of our community,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Our enforcement staff are working to enforce these measures, to help keep people safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community. I know as the holidays approach, it is tempting to gather with family and friends, but I want to remind you that these actions will be met with a fine or even worse, the spread of COVID-19 to your family and friends.” Read More

Dec 11 2020
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Region of Peel and the Province of Ontario partner to address human sex trafficking in Peel 

By Events, Issues, Resources

December 11, 2020

The Province of Ontario announced $3.1M in funding for the Region of Peel to support an integrated services hub for victims, survivors and individuals at-risk of human sex trafficking. The Region of Peel is currently implementing a three-year Strategy to Address Human Sex Trafficking. This pilot strategy was endorsed by Peel Regional Council in 2018 and provides $1.8 million per year for services for victims, survivors and those at-risk of human sex trafficking.

Human sex trafficking impacts the lives of large numbers of individuals, primarily women, with many victims facing long-lasting effects of trauma. The average age of victims is 12 to 24 years old, and Ontario accounts for more than 70% of reported cases in Canada. In addition, 62% of Canadian human trafficking cases originate in the GTA, in part due to access to major highways and an international airport.

The Region is working with all levels of Government to combat human trafficking in all its forms. The Region is addressing the issue through awareness, as well as supports, operating an emergency safe house and transitional house for victims. Peel’s strategy aligns with the Province of Ontario’s anti-human trafficking strategy 2020-2025.

This funding will support Catholic Family Services of Peel-Dufferin with the integrated services hub for children and youth (aged 12 and up) providing on-site health care, trauma counselling, addictions support, legal aid, education and employment services.

The framework addresses human sex trafficking through:

  • Prevention  – To increase awareness via learning modules and training for Regional frontline staff
  • Intervention – Coordinated support to bring services to victims. Core services include trauma counselling, health care, client and system navigation, case management and outreach.  In-kind complementary services include life and job skills, legal support and education
  • Exits – A dedicated safe house and transitional house for victims and survivors

This approach allows us to support victims, survivors and those at-risk of human sex trafficking, bridge the gap in services and provide safe housing and dedicated services.

The Region collaborates with Peel Regional Police, community partners and many organizations across Peel and the Greater Toronto Area to address human trafficking and reduce victimization. For more information on the Peel Human Trafficking Service Providers Committee, the Peel Anti-Human Sex Trafficking task force or to see the Region’s full strategy, please visit https://www.peelregion.ca/human-sex-trafficking/.

If you’re a victim or survivor of human sex trafficking or forced labour, or you know someone who is, contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010.

About the Region of Peel 

The Region of Peel works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 175,000 businesses in the cities of Brampton and Mississauga and the Town of Caledon. Peel’s services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information about the Region of Peel, explore peelregion.ca and follow us on Twitter @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.

Dec 10 2020
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Region of Peel’s Proposed Development Charges By-law Approved

By Events, Issues, Resources

December 10, 2020

Today, Regional Council approved the 2020 Development Charge (DC) By-law and Background Study.

The new by-law includes the DC rates and policies to be applied across the Region to help pay for the infrastructure required to support population and employment growth. The new DC By-law comes into effect on January 22, 2021 and replaces the current DC By-law prior to its expiry on January 24, 2021.

The 2020 DC By-law supports Regional objectives around financial risk management and continues to support the principal that growth pays for growth.

“The Region remains committed to working with the development community, as well as local municipal partners in developing policies that support Regional objectives of planning and managing growth while promoting financial sustainability.” – Stephen VanOfwegen, Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Finance, Region of Peel

Quick Facts/Additional Resources

  • DCs assist in funding capital projects required to meet the increased need for services resulting from population and employment growth and development.
  • The Draft 2020 DC Background Study and Proposed DC By-law were released to the public on September 18, 2020.
  • A statutory public meeting was held on October 8, 2020 as a part of the DC By-law review consultation process.
  • The feedback received from the public and the development community has been carefully considered in the preparation of the final 2020 DC By-law.
  • More information can be found at, peelregion.ca/finance/development-charges.asp

About the Region of Peel

The Region of Peel works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 175,000 businesses in the cities of Brampton and Mississauga and the Town of Caledon. Peel’s services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information about the Region of Peel, explore peelregion.ca and follow us on Twitter @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.

Dec 10 2020
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Holiday Season Service and Delivery in Peel Region

By Events, Issues, Resources

December 10, 2020

Region of Peel offices and non-emergency services will be closed for the holidays from Friday, Dec. 25, 2020 to Friday, Jan. 1, 2021.

As the Region of Peel continues to support efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, certain regional facilities and services remain affected until further notice. The holiday season needs to be different this year – make new traditions. Peel’s case counts and test positivity rates remain high. We must stop the spread of the virus by staying at home as much as possible. For family and friends who live outside your home, take photos and arrange virtual calls to stay connected during this festive time and maintain physical distance. Only socialize with your immediate household and essential supports.

Waste Collection

There will be no change to your waste collection schedule due to the upcoming holiday season. Check your collection calendar to know your Exemption dates for December and January.

Community Recycling Centre (CRC) closures
All CRCs will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on December 24 and December 31. All CRCs will be closed December 25-26 and January 1. The CRCs will be open from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. from December 27-30, 2020. Check peelregion.ca/waste for CRC locations and hours.

For Covid-19 service restrictions check:  https://www.peelregion.ca/coronavirus/affected-services.asp#waste

List of affected services:

  Service area Services not available Services resume  
  Access Peel desks

10 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton
Open Dec. 24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment

 

7120 Hurontario St., Mississauga
Open Dec. 24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., by appointment

 

7 Wellington St. (PAMA), Brampton
Open Dec. 24, 29, 30, 31, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., by appointment

 

  

December 28, 29, 30, 31

 

 

 

 

December 28, 29, 30, 31

December 28

 January 4

 

January 4

 

January 4

  
  Children’s Services Operations December 25 –
January 1		 January 4  
Baby Feeding Support Clinics (Brampton, Meadowvale, Fairview)            Closed due to COVID-19
           
  Dental Services at Peel Public Health Clinics   Closed due to COVID-19    
  Family Health Call Centre December 25-27
January 1-3		 December 21-24
December 28-31
January 4		  
  Dental Services Contact Centre December 25-27
January 1-3		 December 21-24
December 28-31
January 4		  
  Healthy Sexuality Clinic
(Fairview)		 December 25, 28 and January 1 January 4  
  Healthy Sexuality Clinics (Meadowvale, Malton,
Brampton)		 Closed due to COVID-19    
  Peel Living December 25 January 4  
  Needle Exchange Program –
Mobile Van		 December 25, 28
January 1		 December 24, 26, 29, 30, 31  

 

The Peel Works Needle Exchange Program (PWNEP) harm reduction supplies are available during regular operating hours at the Fairview clinic at 325 Central Parkway West, Mississauga. For more information, call or text the mobile van, at 647-255-1623.

Healthy Sexuality Clinic services are by appointment only at the Fairview clinic at 325 Central Parkway West, Mississauga. No appointment is needed for birth control pick up or harm reduction supply pick up.

For more information on Public Health Services and Clinics, visit https://peelregion.ca/public-health/.

Human Services

Human Services Reception and Employment Resource Centers will be closed for regular business as of 12:00 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 24th and will reopen on 8:30 a.m. Mon., Jan. 4th, 2021.

Peel Access to Housing and Rent Supplement offices will be closed at 4:30pm on Thursday Dec. 24th and reopen on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021 However; applications will only be taken until 12:00 pm on Thursday, Dec. 24th, 2020. Clients can complete and submit applications online during the closure.

TransHelp

All trips for December 25, 26 and 27 must be booked by 6 p.m. on December 24.
All trips for January 1 and 2 must be booked by 6 p.m. on December 31.

On December 25 (Christmas Day), December 26 (Boxing Day) and January 1, 2020 (New Year’s Day) TransHelp will operate from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.

The TransHelp office will be closed and unable to process applications, payments or feedback between December 25 and January 1.

The contact centre will close at 10 p.m. on December 24 and 31.

Public Buses

Visit Brampton Transit and Mississauga Transit for holiday schedules.

Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA)
The Access Peel counter at Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) in our Museum building is open December 29-31 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with restricted access to the public. Services will not be available on December 25-28, as well as January 1-3. For Access Peel counter access, we are asking residents to use online and phone options for inquires and payments when possible.

If an online or phone option is not available, you can make an appointment for in-person service at Access Peel by calling 905-791-7800. In-person services can include payments, document drop-off, and water sample testing kit pick-up.

In-person appointments

If you’ve made an appointment for an in-person service and are visiting a Regional building you will be:

  • Screened for symptoms of COVID-19 at Access Peel counters.
  • Asked to provide your name and phone number for contact tracing, if needed.
  • Asked to enter through the main doors and wear a mask or face covering.

PAMA’s on-site exhibitions and programs remain closed due to COVID-19 but we are offering a number of Winter Break Family Fun Activities to download and enjoy over the holidays as well as six virtual exhibitions to enjoy.

Emergencies
For urgent homelessness supports, including food, supplies, referrals and shelter, call the Street Helpline 24/7 at 1-877-848-8481. For information on emergency shelter, visit the Emergency shelter web page, or call the Region of Peel at 905-450-1996.

Maintenance Requests
For Peel Living maintenance requests, contact the 24-hour request line at 905-790-7335.

Dec 10 2020
Love0

Outdoor winter activities during Lockdown

By Events, Issues

Exercise and focusing on mental health remains a priority, even while Lockdown measures are in place.

As part of the Government of Ontario’s Keeping Ontario Safe and Open Framework, Mississauga residents are reminded to limit close contact to their households only until restrictions have been lifted.

Check out some of these outdoor activities and amenities that you can enjoy safely in Mississauga.

Go for a wintery walk along one of Mississauga’s trails

The majority of the City’s trails receive regular winter maintenance and can be safely used and explored by outdoor enthusiasts. However, trails that do not receive winter maintenance are still used in the snowy months by residents who enjoy activities including snowshoeing and deep-snow hiking. This year, the City will be adding additional woodchips to the woodlot trails to help with traction. The trails will also be marked for winter use.

Take advantage of the City’s available park amenities

The below park amenities will be open this year for use by the community. Visit the City’s interactive map to search for a park by location or filter parks for specific features, including those listed below:

  • Leash-free zones
  • Toboggan hills
  • Boxed soccer (pitches will be left unlocked for community use)
  • Outdoor sport courts
  • Playgrounds
  • Picnic shelters
  • Outdoor fitness equipment
  • Secondary sports fields
  • Artificial fields (will be left unlocked for community use)

Park washrooms designed for year-round use will remain open this season with enhanced cleaning practices. Portable washrooms will also be placed later this month in high-demand locations and key trail areas. The washrooms will be winterized and accessible and will be located in areas that receive winter maintenance. See the list of public washrooms and portable washrooms here.

As close contact increases the highest risk of COVID-19 transmission, it is crucial that residents

observe outdoor etiquette to help keep everyone safe. This includes keeping their distance from others and passing safely while using the same trails and pathways. Also, even when outdoors, wear a face covering if physical distancing cannot be maintained.

For information on health and safety recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit  mississauga.ca/covid or peelregion.ca/coronavirus.

Dec 10 2020
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Pedestrian Safety

By Events, Issues

Be Safe on Mississauga Roadways

We all play a role in making our communities safe for everyone.  At this time of year, it’s important to take extra precautions when our using roadways. During darker morning and evening commutes, remember to take extra care and be aware of your surroundings. Visibility can be challenging during dawn and dusk. Drivers are reminded to have their full headlights on, ensure their windshields are clear, and always look out for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians should cross at marked crosswalks to increase their visibility to drivers and avoid distractions.

Dec 09 2020
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Council Outcomes December 9, 2020: Face Covering & Sign By-laws Extended, Outdoor Businesses & Support for New Representation Model at Regional Council

By Covid-19, Issues

December 9, 2020

At today’s meeting, City Council approved:

  • Support for a representation by population model for Region of Peel Council
  • Tow Truck Licensing By-law Amendment
  • Uptown Node Official Plan Amendment
  • Extending the City’s Mandatory Face Covering By-law
  • Preparation of a temporary use by-law to permit outdoor businesses
  • Extending the exemption period for portable signs to July 1, 2021

Region of Peel Council Composition
On November 26, 2020 the Region of Peel Council passed a resolution to change its composition. Mississauga Council supports the proposed changes that will see Brampton’s representation increasing to nine members, Caledon’s representation decreasing to three members and Mississauga remaining the same with 12 members. The proposed new structure reflects a representation by population model and retains the total of 24 members for Peel Regional Council. It is recommended that the related by-law will come into effect for the day the regional council for 2022-2026 is inaugurated.  Ward 5 Councillor Carolyn Parrish raised the motion to support the change at Mississauga City Council and had seconded the motion at the Region of Peel meeting.

Tow Truck Licensing By-law Amendment
Council approved a motion, raised by Ward 6 Councillor Ron Starr, to amend the Tow Truck Licensing By-law to authorize the City to suspend a conviction and associated demerit points and to issue a conditional licence, if the applicant or licensee provides the City with a copy of a notice of appeal with proof that it has been filed with the Ontario Court of Justice.

Uptown Node Official Plan Amendment
Council approved an Official Plan Amendment (OPA) for the Uptown Major Node Character Area. Located around Eglinton Avenue and Hurontario Street, the Uptown Node has several buildings under construction with new mixed-use developments on the horizon.

The OPA provides a framework to guide future development to ensure the area becomes a vibrant, mixed-use and connected community.  It includes a range of policies on items such as housing, road connections, park locations, retaining non-residential space, urban block sizes and development master plans.

The OPA was drafted in consultation with area stakeholders, residents and the general public. Visit the Uptown Node project page for more information.

COVID-19 Response

Mandatory Face Covering By-law
The City’s Mandatory Face Covering By-law was extended to June 30, 2021. It was originally approved by Council on July 8, 2020 and was set to expire on January 21, 2021. The by-law requires all persons (subject to some exceptions) to wear a face covering inside buildings where the public is ordinarily invited or permitted access. This includes retail stores, indoor sports and recreational facilities, apartments and condominiums to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Government of Ontario regulations for face coverings also apply in the City of Mississauga.

Sign By-law Exemption
The amended the Sign By-law was extended to July 1, 2021. It was originally amended by Council on March 23 and on June 24, Council chose to extend the exemption period to the end of 2020. The exemption provides additional advertising opportunities for businesses and community groups allowing:

  • Three additional portable signs per street front to be added without a permit
  • The maximum display period to be 30 days (extended from 21 days)
  • The number of permits per group to be 15 per year (increased from 10)

Ward 9 Councillor Pat Saito raised the motion.

Outdoor Businesses – Preparation for Recovery
Council approved a temporary use by-law to permit outdoor retail sales/displays and outdoor recreational and entertainment establishments until December 31, 2021. This temporary use by-law will enable certain businesses and charitable ventures to operate outdoors in a safe and responsible manner in compliance with provincial restrictions once the by-law appeal period expires.  These steps contribute to the City’s overall plan for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

For additional information about the City’s response to COVID-19:

Guidance and resources to help Mississauga businesses can be found online at ca/business-covid-19.

For health information, please visit peelregion.ca/coronavirus.

Find out what’s open and the status of City Services.